U.S. CBP Private Aircraft Preclearance

Updated March 1, 2010

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Private Aircraft Preclearance allows the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to screen travelers before takeoff through essentially the same process a traveler would undergo upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry. Passengers that go through preclearance will not need to undergo additional inspection upon arrival in the U.S.

Following preclearance inspection, private aircraft may land at one of over 200 U.S. airports capable of handling and processing international garbage as required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

To utilize preclearance, operators must follow these seven steps:

Request for services

APIS submission

Appointment confirmation/notifications

Preclearance services performed

Flight closeout and departure

Departure notifications

Flight arrival in U.S. at approved airport

For more information on the CBP preclearance process, review the following resources.

CBP Expands Preclearance to Private Aircraft at Shannon Airport

Beginning March 1, 2010, private aircraft departing Shannon International Airport (EINN) in Ireland for the United States may utilize preclearance services available at the airport. Passengers that go through preclearance in Shannon will not need to undergo additional inspection upon arrival in the U.S.